The Official Lamaze Guide: For a healthy Pregnancy & Birth Paperback – Bargain Price, October 4, 2005

This is a wonderful book with natural approach to birth. I don't quite understand the negative comments saying the book is against interventions and pro-natural, and not about breathing techniques - when ordering a Lamaze book you should know what Lamaze means - Lamaze is NOT (and has not been for many years) all about breathing. It supports natural birth with as little interventions as possible as they conflict with the process of birth. And YES Lamaze is backed by research data - all available to view in the Cochrane Library - there are hundreds of studies scientifically backing every single word. And a complaint that it didn't teach them what to do in labor is completely ridiculous - no book will teach you what to do in labor - books broaden your horizons and give you information. If you want to learn specific comfort techniques take a childbirth class, hire a doula or both. The book does what it should and much more - it provides unbiased, current, evidence-based information which helps you while making informed decisions when you're in labor. It helps your confidence by reminding you that labor and birth are natural and it teaches you to trust your body and instincts. It's a wonderful book. I highly recommend to everyone who wants to be in charge of their birth and especially to those who want to have a natural, un-medicated birth.

This book gives you the history on birth, some additional back ground on the labor process, etc... but it’s a bit too narrow for me. I would have enjoyed reading more about my various options, rather than hear the same thing over and over about how natural is really the way to go. For some women it is, but I’m not sure about myself. This book was an eye opener though.

Recommended reading for Doulas and childbirth educators because it has so much information

Buy without hesitation! I recommend this book to every pregnant woman, and anyone who will be supporting a woman giving birth. Give it to your pregnant friend! It is wonderful, I feel so empowered to give birth gently and naturally- it helped me realize how I am already equipped to deliver babies and how strong women are. It's not the mainstream, popular view of pregnancy and childbirth, it's the better way. Read this, and don't miss out on the birth experience the way it's supposed to be.

I am an LCCE and purchased the new edition for loaning to class participants. Not all want to own or can afford to purchase the text, and it is not required for class. Unfortunately, it is not found in local library. For students interested in reading more about evidence-based childbirth as supported by meta-analysis reviews found in the Cochrane Library, this book is essential.

This beautifully written book is one-of-a-kind in its approach to viewing the mother-to-be as a wise, strong and deeply instinctual person, and to introducing birth as a natural process. Unlike other books that prey on a woman's fear of the unknown, The Official Lamaze Guide to Giving Birth with Confidence does just what the title implies: it reassures a woman that she is naturally equipped with everything she needs to deliver her child. Peppered throughout are richly personal stories of childbirth that leave the reader inspired.It is a wonderful read-- and the perfect gift--for any first time mother-to-be, or any woman looking to trust in her body and her mind, and to enter into childbirth completely confident in her abilities.

Such a great book! So fantastic to prepare for birth, every woman depending on whether or not they are trying to go natural or having medical interventions should read this book! It covers benefits and risks to each topic and gives great advice on all avenues! Thank u Lamaze for such an informative and educational read! I read just this and felt VERY prepared for my labor, well as much as you can anyhow :)

I (the father) was my wife's labor support. We were going for a natural (un medicated) delivery. I bought this book to help me formulate my labor plan and our birth plan. It gives a great review of the current changes to the labor and delivery practices in the US and offers great advice for dealing with the labor process. While it is short on detail, it was still a useful resource. Do not buy this looking for something to tell you what to do as labor support, it wont provide and step by step guide.

Really loved this book. I feel much more confident about me giving birth. I found out a lot of useful things and it helped me gain some skills.

This book is fantastic... It goes over everything you need to know for birth in an easy to use manner. I would highly recommend the book and it's not just because I am teaching the classes. For those who are taking the course this offers a great range of information you will need to know for mom's and other parents to be this offers a comprehensive guide to what to expect when you are expecting. More information based info than any other book out there.... It is a fantastic buy.

Perfect read if you want to have a baby and are wondering what is the best choice for you and your family. Plenty of up to date and evidence based information. A mus read!

Giving your the confidence for a natural birth!

This book is an obvious culmination of a lot of research on part of Lamaze. It's a heavy read with academic style & approach.Excellent knowledge for serious readers.